|
|||||||||||||
    |
|
The strong forecast comes in the wake of the biggest ever month for online sales. UK customers spent £2.7bn on the internet in October, almost £250,000 higher than the previous record of last December, according to the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG). The record-creaking October figure will embolden retailers as they prepare for an internet sales bonanza over Christmas. The IMRG expects £7bn to be spent online in the 10 weeks in the run-up to Christmas Day, with £3.5bn of this coming in December. James Roper, the chief executive of IMRG, said that the expected 40% growth in 2007 reflects rocketing broadband penetration and a growing acceptance of the internet as a secure method of shopping. Similar growth levels have been seen this year. “More customers are getting broadband. It is huge. When people have broadband they shop online, it is as simple as that. And the supply side from retailers is really just starting,” said Roper. The IMRG expects 20% of all retail purchases to be made over the Internet by 2010. Currently the figure is less than 10%. Online shopping is no longer the reserve of the young. Research released last week by the Royal Mail shows that 45 to 54 year-olds are the biggest online shoppers, spending an average of £724 every year. James Hall |
Online sales in the UK will rise by 40% to £42bn in 2007, up from £30bn this year, according to a leading internet research firm.